Don't worry about selection anymore, Parthiv's snub to selectors

Photo: BCCI

Mumbai: Wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel may not have been selected for the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled in England from June 1 even as a last-minute replacement but he says he does not play the game now with the sole intention of getting picked by the selectors.

Patel was part of the victorious Mumbai Indians squad, which won the IPL title for the record third time last night, defeating Rising Pune Supergiant by one run in a thriller at Hyderabad.

"Honestly, I don't worry about selection anymore. I have been old enough and been around for years. I don't play cricket to get selected," Patel told reporters here at the Mumbai Indians' media conference.

"I am enjoying and have been at the peak of my game, had a great year, winning Ranji Trophy (for Gujarat), making a Test comeback (for India) and winning IPL and playing well in IPL. If I keep doing it, rest of the things will follow.

Parthiv was the highest scorer for Mumbai Indians with 395 runs in 16 outings.

"I don't worry about who has been picked (or not), that is not part of my job. If I keep," the stumper added.

With Manish Pandey, originally picked in the Champions Trophy squad, picking up an injury and needed to be replaced, the selectors opted for another seasoned 'keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik of Tamil Nadu, who is also on a comeback trail and played for Gujarat Lions in the IPL.